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Tag Archives: public engagement

Soapboxing Science in the Sun

Posted on 23 June, 2017 by Kevin
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On a bright, sunny day in Newcastle, Soapbox Science took place on 17th June for the third time in Newcastle’s Monument, supported by the Newcastle University Faculty of Medical Sciences Engagement Team, and by the organising team from the Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences.

During the event, Grey Street was converted into an area for lively discussion of scientific subjects between researchers and the general public. Inspired by Hyde Park Corner‘s political debates, our scientists stood on soapboxes wearing lab coats and communicated their work to the passing crowds. There were no microphones, PowerPoint presentations, or posters, only materials from everyday life to support the scientific talks.

Two researchers from the Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Professor Janet Quinn and postgraduate student Clare Willis, had been selected for a speaker’s role in the event, along with a number of other researchers in diverse scientific fields. Prof. Janet Quinn and her topic “Killer Fungus” grabbed the attention of many younger onlookers by creating Candida, Schizosaccharomyces and other representatives of the fungal Kingdom from colourful Play-Doh in Petri dishes. Clare Willis demonstrated the possibility for survival of a living organism for thousands of years as part of her topic: “Spores: the ultimate survivors”. An air balloon represented the bacterial cell as a target for antibiotics, easily destroyed by a pin, with an unbreakable bacterial spore shown as a much more resilient tennis ball.

A number of volunteers from the Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences actively participated in the event. Here, we’ve compiled comments from a few of those who contributed to making the day a success.

Yana performing her duties as part of the evaluation team, gathering data from Soapbox visitors

Yana Wade, researcher in the Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology and Soapbox Science volunteer:

“During my stay at Newcastle University, the secondment host for my Marie Curie Individual Fellowship, I had the fantastic opportunity to be involved in the Soapbox Science festival both as a public engagement volunteer and as part of the evaluation team. As an active researcher I understand the importance of communicating with the public to highlight exactly what scientists do behind the doors of the laboratory, and how they tackle issues that are having a major impact in our daily lives.

The challenges given to the speaker’s at this event were: as an outstanding scientist performing cutting edge research, would it be possible to explain the complex scientific topics to a non-expert audience?Would it be realistic to grab the attention of the general public out shopping on a busy central street who are normally put-off by the often challenging ideas presented by science? Could the scientists explain their research that could capture the imagination of primary school children?

Nevertheless, the presenters at Soapbox Science successfully achieved these goals. Instead of a purely academic presentation of their work, they shared their passion about science by demonstrating how exciting, interesting and important science is in solving immediate and longer term problems faced by society. The event also provided an opportunity for the public to interact directly with scientists in an informal and friendly setting.

The other fascinating aspect of the event was the aim to promote women in science. The female speakers, comprising different academic levels from student to professor, demonstrated their accomplishments in state-of-the-art research, and represented an example of a successful career path for budding scientists in academia. These brilliant girls are addressing the gender-related stereotypes in science.

Our Soapbox speakers were delighted with the public response

By participating in this event as a volunteer, it gave me the means to contribute to bringing science to society in an open and understandable way. I was able to question people who took part in the event and gather feedback that will help evaluate the impact and perception of the topics covered and how they think the subjects could help in shaping society, but also, more generally, to improve the event in the future.

Given my experience, I would like to encourage people to support the Soapbox Science by actively participating in the future.”

 

Rashmi Bhardwaj-Gosling, PhD student in the Institute for Health & Society, and Soapbox speaker:

Rashmi speaks from her Soapbox

“I had a great afternoon speaking at the event. Speaking to the general public was such a novel and refreshing approach for me in comparison to speaking to my usual audience! Soapbox Science is such a great idea where instead of waiting for the public to come to us, we got out there and took our science to the streets. The audience was very engaging and genuinely interested in finding out about my research work on urinary catheters and what can be done to avoid the catheter related infections. It was brilliantly organised event and weather certainly helped to captivate the crowd. So well done to everyone who took part and in organising the event.”

Clare Willis, researcher in CBCB and Soapbox speaker:

“Soapbox Science was a fantastic event. As a speaker I really enjoyed the challenge of having to explain my research in simple easy-to-understand ways, making it accessible, interesting and exciting to a public audience. I got some great questions and I think my talk really got the public thinking. I feel I’ve made Newcastle a little more knowledgeable about my topic, bacterial spores!”

Clare on her Soapbox, presenting her science to the public

Katherine Jacques and Helen Atkinson, Faculty of Medical Sciences Engagement Team and Soapbox organisers:

“We really enjoyed organising Soapbox Science this year and had a great time on the day. The enthusiasm from the speakers and volunteers to engage with the public was fantastic and it was wonderful to see so many people stopping to listen and ask questions.

We would like to say a big thank you to the speakers, volunteers and our fellow organisers for their contribution and making the day a huge success. We’re already looking forward to another successful Soapbox Science event for next year!”

You can also read a blog post from one of this year’s speakers, Luiza Andrade, on MicrobeBlog from the Society for Applied Microbiology here.

Posted in Events, Science Communication | Tagged Equality, public engagement, Science communication, Soapbox Science | Leave a reply

Volunteering at Soapbox Science

Posted on 16 July, 2015 by Paula
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By Hannah Somers, University of Nottingham 

 

Playing close attention to Jasmine’s explanations

I volunteered to take part in Soapbox Science for two reasons; firstly I think public engagement with science is key to moving research forward and applying discoveries to the real world. The more people understand, the more likely they are to accept, and even welcome changes and developments in healthcare and environmentalism. Secondly, as a female PhD student I see the problems women currently face whilst maintaining academic careers and finding their way to being top class researchers. I think that the STEM fields need more female role models and trailblazers who can change the stereotype of scientists from “old male professor”, to “anyone”. Soapbox Science is a great way to show the public that women do exist in scientific communities, and that they are excelling in their fields.
The glorious weather on Saturday, 27th June, helped us engage a lot of people out enjoying the sunshine. Over the course of three hours, many came to investigate Soapbox Science (we even broke a record!) and listen to female scientists talk about the research being carried out all over the country.

 

What is a “fish detective”? Jessica Duffil Telsnig from Newcastle University explains.

From understanding the physics of everyday things, to the wondrous world of soil and its ecosystems or what is a fish detective visitors were encouraged to take part in demonstrations and ask questions of the experts on their soapboxes. Despite the many other events going on around us, the scientists held their own, standing out to huge numbers of people and encouraging everyone to get involved.

Cait MacPhee, from the University of Edinburgh, inspiring the next generation of female scientists.

Cait MacPhee, from the University of Edinburgh, inspiring the next generation of female scientists.

 

One speaker was told by a visitor that “my daughter saw a female scientist for the first time at your event”. This experience will hopefully encourage this girl to pursue any career of her choice, and shows the importance of Soapbox Science events. We need to show the world that women are working hard in STEM and that these subjects can be pursued by anyone, regardless of gender.

 

 

 

It's all about soil and sustainability!

It’s all about soil and sustainability!

 

I had a brilliant time volunteering with the Soapboxers. I was fortunate enough to be assisting Jasmine Black (a Dr once her corrections are complete!), learning about soil composition and the importance of sustainable farming in continual crop growth. As a molecular microbiologist, this work was new to me, but it was great to see Jasmine’s passion for her subject and how she shared that passion with the public.

 

 

Libby Gibson from Newcastle University, enthusiastically engaging the crowds with DIY solar cells!

Libby Gibson from Newcastle University, enthusiastically engaging the crowds with DIY solar cells!

 

Every speaker gave accessible, exciting talks and left people enthused and informed, completely fulfilling the aim of the day. Personally I got to see some incredible women at work, encouraging the next generation of female STEM researchers – very much outreach in action!

 

You might wonder why I specifically volunteered to join Soapbox Science in Newcastle. Firstly, it was one of the closest events to me and I really wanted to get involved with the project. Secondly, I did my undergraduate degree at Newcastle University, studying Medical Microbiology with Immunology. It is my favourite city, I think the people are the friendliest in the UK and I am always excited to travel back! The way many of them join in our Soapbox Science event shows that I was right, everyone was really friendly! I’m glad I took part and I’m sure I’ll take part in the future. Hope I’ve inspired you to join in as well!

Posted in Events, General, Science Communication | Tagged Female Scientists, public engagement, Soapbox Science | 1 Reply

Standing on the soapbox for Science!

Posted on 15 July, 2015 by Paula
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In the second in our series on the recent Soapbox Science event in Newcastle, we have a guest post from Cathleen Thomas, who was a speaker at the event. She tells us about her work at the Northumberland Wildlife Trust and why Soapbox Science is both important AND enjoyable.

By Cathleen Thomas, Northumberland Wildlife Trust

A soapbox, a paddling pool and the passing crowd: recipe for science communication!

On Saturday, 27th June, I stood on a soapbox by Grey’s Monument in the centre of Newcastle to talk about my scientific work to the passing public, and as it turned out, there were a lot of people around that day. We got the best turn out for a Soapbox Science event yet and best of all these were people that were out doing their shopping and wouldn’t necessarily choose to engage with science. This was what drew me to speak at Soapbox Science – the chance to engage with a new audience – because as scientists we spend a lot of time discussing our science with other scientists, but it’s difficult to converse with the wider public. We publish results of our experiments in scientific journals that require an expensive subscription for access and often use very technical language. When science is made available in newspapers or online news sites, it is written by journalists and often has emotive, attention grabbing headlines that may not represent the real science underlying the story. So, here we were, in Newcastle, unedited and unabridged – just us and the public.

I was the only speaker at Soapbox Science who wasn’t from a university, so I wanted to spread the message that science isn’t just done by grey haired old men in lab coats with expensive lab equipment. It can be done by everyone. British people have a long history of collecting species and recording the wildlife they see, so natural history, or citizen science as it now seems to be called, has a long tradition. We need to get new generations to recognise its value and convince them to be part of it otherwise in the future no one will appreciate our wildlife or protect it and it will all be lost. However, it isn’t just a matter of continuing tradition. For the Northumberland Wildlife Trust but also for the person on the street, learning what wildlife lives around our homes is important for another reason.

Cathleentext4It’s important to note that not all introduced species become invasive. For example, people were surprised to learn that the feral pigeon, which is a common sight around Newcastle, is not a native species. However, it doesn’t really cause any problems for other wildlife because it has learnt to exploit urban areas and thrives in the centre of the city where few other species dare to tread, at least in daylight.

By being vigilant, getting out and about in nature and protecting wildlife and our wild places we can conserve it for future generations.

Japanese Knotweed (Photo by KENPEI, licensed under CC BY via Wikimedia)

My street theatre debut at Soapbox Science started by showing people the figure £1,288,262,000 and asking them what they thought the government spent this on. After guesses including NHS spending or benefits, people were quite shocked when I revealed that this money was spent last year on eradicating invasive species. This doesn’t include money spent by other organisations such as Wildlife Trusts or individuals having to remove Japanese Knotweed from their garden before they can sell their house, so the UK-wide figure is probably much higher. Invasive species have a massive economic cost, as well as being one of the leading causes of biodiversity loss.

Me and a lovely little girl from the crowd,  got in the pool to demonstrate good welly washing practice and have a bit of a splash about!

Me and a lovely little girl from the crowd got in the pool to demonstrate good welly washing practice and have a bit of a splash about!

To really demonstrate the impact of invasive species, I had some of demonstrations, ably assisted by my volunteer for the day, Ruth Nottingham. My pink paddling pool was filled with representations of invasive species and was a real draw for the children. It was quite warm on the day, so the kids were looking to cool off in my paddling pool. This gave me the opportunity to explain that when we work on different nature reserves we have to wash our wellies between visits so as not to transfer species from one place to another. This could be any small pond creatures as well as bacteria or fungi that could be carried in water droplets on our wellies.

Catching “invasive species” can be hard! One smart kid even tries blocking them at source, but that has problems too…

I was asked why we couldn’t just get rid of invasive species, but I had come prepared. I switched on my bubble machine and asked people to imagine that this was a flying, invasive insect, such as the harlequin ladybird. Then were then challenged to try to catch and ‘eradicate’ all of the ladybirds. With a bit of a tailwind blowing down Grey Street this was harder than they imagined and as some of the bubbles floated off into the ether.

One of the children then had the idea to cut them off at source and stood in front of the bubble machine and was applauded by other audience members who marvelled at his ingenuity. However, I explained that often we don’t know exactly where the invasive species are coming from, so I picked up the bubble machine and started to move it around so the bubbles were coming from lots of different directions. The sound of understanding was audible as people exclaimed and realised why invasive species often present a complex challenge.

My taxidermied specimens, showcased by my fantastic volunteer Ruth, meant that people could get up close and compare red and grey squirrels. That helped people to understand why our native reds are declining so rapidly.

I was then able to talk to people about squirrels, a subject which is always on our minds here at Northumberland Wildlife Trust as we have a team of around 20 people working to help our native red squirrel. I was able to answer questions about why grey squirrels are so invasive, what the pox thing is that they carry and whether they steal red squirrels food. However, I was able to share some good news in that we are finding that on some sites where we are controlling grey squirrels we are starting to find red squirrel numbers are on the increase. The battle isn’t won yet, not by a long way, but there are small signs of hope.

I hope I left people with a better understanding of wildlife and why it’s important to know what you lives around you and I left feeling hopeful that people understood our sometimes contentious work and was pleased to see that we had lots of support from the people of Newcastle.

Posted in Events, General, Science Communication | Tagged conservation, Female Scientist, invasive species, Northumberland, public engagement, Soapbox Science, Wildlife | Leave a reply

Organising Soapbox Science Newcastle

Posted on 14 July, 2015 by Paula
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Soapbox Science Newcastle Organising team ready to go!

Our team of Soapbox Science organisers – Dianne Ford, Paula Salgado, Nancy Rios, Kevin Waldron, Lis Lowe and Joanna Keith – are definitely doing it again! It was fun and rewarding!

On the 27 of June 2015, Soapbox Science, a team from Newcastle University and a fantastic group of speakers and volunteers helped transform the Monument area in Newcastle City Centre into a hub for science and discovery. As female scientists from across the region – and beyond it – took to the streets, got on a soapbox and showcased their science to the public, the aim was simple: bring science and the women doing it to the attention of the general public. Founded five years ago by Dr Seirian Sumner (University of Bristol) and Dr Nathalie Pettorelli (Zoological Society of London, ZSL), Soapbox Science has grown exponentially and this year there were seven events taking place in Bristol, London, Exeter, Swansea, Newcastle, Glasgow and Belfast, with over 90 female scientists participating.
For the Newcastle event, it all started when Prof Hilary Lappin-Scott, Vice Chancellor at Swansea University, visited in the summer of 2014 to speak at ICaMB‘s Equality in Academia day. Having just run Soapbox Science for the first time in Swansea, Hilary set us the challenge of doing the same this year in Newcastle. A few early indications of acquiescence and some tentative enquiries resulted in little immediate progress, but then Nancy discovered that it was her old friend, Seirian Summer that, together with Natalie Pettorrelli, was responsible for coordinating the whole operation nationally (and are branching out now globally). With Nancy, on board we began to motor ahead.

Our soapboxes getting final touches in ICaMB's workshop

Our soapboxes getting final touches in ICaMB’s workshop

Potential speakers and volunteers responded enthusiastically to our call and it was tough to decide who should make up the final bill of inspirational women scientists speaking on diverse and engaging topics. Soapboxes were ‘commissioned’ (huge thanks to Newcastle Wood Recycling for their generosity and time and ICaMB’s workshop team for their inventive solutions!) and the go-ahead was given to set up at the Monument on our chosen Saturday afternoon. We were assured that the Morris dancers would be finished (they were, and only one of them then heckled us).

That bit of meteorite used by Christina McQuirk was heavy!

Even the potentially tedious jobs such as completing a risk assessment provided some amusement, courtesy of an email thread with the subject line ‘meteorite risk assessment’.

Newcastle Central MP, Chi Onwurah, joined the crowd to listen to our scientists

We drew up a press release and got some media interest, including interviews on BBC Radio Newcastle. Nancy even found a small team of filmmakers from the Tyneside Cinema to record the highlights and interview the speakers, volunteers and spectators, including local MP Chi Onwurah who came by to offer support.

 

 

 

We were grateful for great weather on the day. Three rounds of four speakers engaged the public with accessible descriptions of their science, hands-on participation and range of imaginative props, from baby dolls to boxes and even weirder objects:

Lis Lowe from ICaMB explaining to some “passers-by” how babies acquire gut bacteria

Rachel Williams, from Newcastle University used a range of striking props to explain inflammation

Kathy Romer from University of Sussex using stacks of boxes and fluff balls to talk about Dark energy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of our volunteers, Kirsty Steed from Newcastle University, gathers the crowds with a passing comet

In our matching Soapbox Science T-shirts, we were (as was overheard) mistaken for a hen party! Not quite, sir!

Matching t-shirts - what could it be?

Matching t-shirts – what could it be?

After a massively busy, fun and frantic three hours, speakers and volunteers assembled in the Tyneside Bar Café for come food and refreshments. We were delighted to learn that with more than 19,000 people passing through our Soapbox Science site, we had smashed all previous records. We are proud that we showcased great scientists and great science to so many. As one little girl told us “The problem now is choosing which science I want, there’s so much to choose from!”

We learnt a lot (there were mistakes!) and look forward to putting on an even better event next year. See you next summer, for Soapbox Science Newcastle 2016!

 

Posted in Events, Science Communication | Tagged Female Scientists, public engagement, Soapbox Science | 4 Replies

ICaMB at the British Science Festival

Posted on 19 September, 2013 by Paula
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by Paula Salgado

Last week saw Newcastle streets invaded by scientists, science-minded and science-curious crowds, all enjoying a very diverse, intense and exciting British Science Festival. This is a unique opportunity for different cities in the UK to showcase the best science they produce and Newcastle was no exception. Many ICaMB students and staff  took on the challenge, putting on a great show for all to enjoy. Some of their work even made it to an ITV Tyne news report (at 0:22):

If you missed the events, here’s a short recap.

 

“Do I look good in these genes?” – Prof John Hesketh, Prof Carlo Celis-Morales (IAH)

 

This debate on the perspectives of personalised nutritional advice based on genetic information, combined science and drama to explore the different aspects of the issues involved. It sparkled interest from participants as well as the media, bringing John’s research to a broader audience, as he explains.

 

 

Packed audience at the debate

Together with Carlo Celis-Morales (IAH), I organised a debate around issues of using genetic information to personalise nutritional advise based on genetics.  We worked with a theatre group – November Club – to use drama to help highlight some of the issues to a general audience. Two external speakers gave a FOR and AGAINST view of using such personalised genetic advise and I chaired the event.

 

 

“Puzzles of Infections” – Dr Paula Salgado, Dr Arnaud Basle, Adam Crawshaw, Chris Hoyland, Dr Will Stanley

NSBL team (Chris, Adam, Paula, Arnaud) ready to show the world of protein structures

Dr Paula Salgado and a team from Newcastle Structural Biology Lab – Dr Arnaud Basle, Dr Will Stanley, Adam Crawshaw and Chris Hoyland – organised an activity where children and adults explored the world of protein structures.

Protein structure is not the easiest concept to grasp for most audiences, so we used a very “hands-on” approach. Children and adults had a chance to grow their own protein crystals, play with 3D printed  protein models and “giant microbes” from which our proteins of interest come from and use the latest 3D screen technology to see “inside” our protein structures. This allowed us to explain how we solve the puzzle of proteins’ shapes and how it relates to their function, explained Paula.

 

“Epifection” – Dr Phil Aldridge and others

Phil Aldridge with Nick Jakubovics (Dentistry), Colin Gillespie (Maths and Stats), Mark Shirley (Biology), Kate Hudson (University Engagement Manager), Rose Wu (Science Festival and Engagement Coordinator) and Roots and Wings developed an interactive simulation of a virtual outbreak that hit the North East.

Epifection ran throughout the Festival and was accessed via smartphones, tablets and browsers of any origin. We had approximately 400 people register and interact with epifection. Our aim was to raise awareness of the decisions we need to make if a potentially life threatening outbreak were to occur. Epifection was not solely an online event but was designed to explore the benefits of using digital technology to compliment traditional engagement activities. Along with the simulation we ran a very successful public debate on the need for vaccine and treatment, the build the bug (lego) workshop and a survivors party.

 

“Build the Bug” – Prof Jeremy Lakey, Dr Phil Aldridge and others

Jeremy Lakey and Phil Aldridge together with helpers put on five “Build the Bug” sessions, which were associated with the Epifection simulated epidemic. Participants, which included families on Sunday, school kids on Tuesday and adults at the Epifection survivors party at the Tyneside Cinema, had to build a superbug out of LEGO.

Participants were given a crash course in what a bacterium needs to survive (funnily enough, outer membrane proteins and flagella were emphasised) and then told to get on with it. They also had to pack in as much DNA (string) as possible. There were some amazing designs and insights, such as a boy who suggested that his bacteria had small molecules (toxins!) that they released to cause disease where the bacteria could not go and a girl who designed a “bluetooth bacterium”, which communicated with its friends and only caused the disease when there were enough of them around (Quorum sensing!). IRES candidates 2025? wonders Jeremy.

 

“Why our tummies wave at us” – Dr Vanessa Armstrong, Dr Chris Baldwin, Dr Geoff Bosson, Joy Hardyman, Claire Whitworth and others

Joy (ICaMB), Claire (ICaMB), Holly (Institute of Neuroscience) and Rachelle (BioMedical Sciences) showing the cuddly versions of tummy bugs

Organised by the School of Biomedical Sciences, this workshop was part of the Young People’s programme (pg. 7) and aimed at children aged 7-10.

According to Joy: Children learned what happens to the food we eat, what bacteria look like and how some bacteria keep us healthy but some can also make us ill. They were also able to see how well they were washing their hands using UV gel / lighting, and how to make an oral rehydration solution to rehydrate themselves should they get a tummy bug! I was really surprised how well behaved all the children were and how much they already knew about ‘bugs’. It was a great opportunity to build on my confidence around children (as I’ve always found them quite terrifying!) and to practice bringing science to the correct level to suit the public. As expected, the more interactive the activity, the more they enjoyed it – and I found the whole experience good fun and a nice change from being in the lab! 

 

“Fascinated by Food” – Dr Tom Williams, Dr Tomas Kloosterman and others (Marie Curie Fellows)

Tomas killing some Lactococci with an antibiotic

Marie Curie fellows at Newcastle University Tom Williams (ICaMB), Tomas Kloosterman (CBCB), Marianna Obrist (Culture Lab/School of Computing Science) and Sabrina Pietrobono (History, Classics & Archaeology) organised a workshop in the Young People’s programme (pg. 11).

The workshop “Fascinated by food” aimed to explore different aspects of food including the role of microbes in producing and consuming food, expression of taste  experiences together with the importance of landscape and culture in influencing food production, explained Tom.

 

“Inhalation Station” – Sarah Rice, Sarah Billington, Livingstone Fultang, Anna Stanton, Git Chung, Gemma Crossfield, Nichola Conlon, Mark Turner

Sarah explaining the anatomy of the lungs

 

Inhalation station was a workshop set up to teach Key Stage 2 children about lungs and how we breathe. They tells us more about it.

The workshop started with a brief explanation of the anatomy and physiology of the lungs, using a real pair of pigs lungs! The children then applied this knowledge to three fun workstations i) Aircraft: where model lungs were created, ii) Air Force: where their lung volume was measured using a spirometer, and iii) Question-Air: a quiz of interesting and unusual facts about the lungs. The kids had fun gaining knowledge about the respiratory system and engaging in hands on learning activities. Inhalation Station was rated 5/5 by both the pupils and their teachers.

 

“Leading Edge – Newcastle Science seen by Students” Dr Phil Aldridge and others

Leading edge is an aspirational scheme coordinated by Phil Aldridge, Sarah Lickess and Felicity Hunter. Twelve schools were involved in projects run by academics from across SAGE and FMS including from ICaMB Jeremy Brown, Jeremy Lakey and Phil.

For the festival, the Leading Edge schools were asked to describe their projects from their perspective in poster format. These posters were integrated into a professionally designed exhibit for the hands-on / drop-in zone of the young peoples program (pg. 14). Each day up to 500 school children past through this zone where we challenged them to a short quiz with questions such as “What organ of our body is like Dr Who?” Ans: Your liver as it can regenerate. A short documentary was also produced by the Leading Edge team that will be publicly available for viewing soon on their own blog.

 

International Images for Science Exhibition Opening – Prof Rick Lewis, Prof Jeremy Lakey

Prof Jeremy Lakey and Prof Rick Lewis were invited by the Royal Photographic Society and the Science and Techonology Facility Council (STFC) to attend the opening of the International Images for Science Exhibition 2013, at the Hancock Museum. Rick tells us more:

The exhibition contained about 100 images covering a vast range of subjects, from cosmic dust to bacteria, captured using a range of different imaging techniques.The image displayed is an X-ray image of a Blaschka glass jelly-fish. The Blaschkas were a father-and-son team of glass artists who devoted most of their careers to producing glass models of marine invertebrates. When they died, their technique died with them, and by imaging their works in different forms of light, it is hoped that their long-lost technical skills will be brought back to life once more. The exhibition is free, and is well worth a visit, as highlighted by the BBC. Open until September 30th.

 

“What’s Hiding in Your Mouth?” – Jill Robinson and others

Jill Robinson, a PhD student in Dr. Jakubovics‘ lab, was part of a group from the Centre for Oral Health Research (COHR) at the School of Dental Sciences that ran the “What’s Hiding In Your Mouth?” event as part of the Family Day on Sunday 8th September. She told us more:

The event was mainly aimed at educating children on the importance of oral health, the balance needed between microorganisms and the immune system, and how there are bugs in the mouth that are both good and bad. I was helping out with some microscopy, allowing children and adults to take samples of their own plaque and cheek cells, to look at under the phase contrast and confocal microscopes.

 


Links

British Science Festival http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/british-science-festival
British Science Association http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/

 

Posted in General | Tagged collaboration, interdisciplinary research, outreach, public engagement, schools, Science communication, science for everyone | Leave a reply

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